Nigeria On Alert As Five Tanzania Players Threaten Super Eagles Ahead Of AFCON Qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been warned to pay close attention to five key Tanzanian players ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header during the ongoing international window.

Although Nigeria boast a more successful history in African football, having won the AFCON title three times, Tanzania possess several talented players capable of giving the Super Eagles a difficult challenge.

The Taifa Stars are expected to rely on their pace, creativity and counter-attacking abilities as they seek to cause an upset against the Nigerian side under head coach Miguel Gamondi.

According to Bush Radio Academy, five Tanzanian players could pose significant threats to Nigeria based on their experience, attacking qualities and recent performances at club and international levels.

One of the players Nigeria must closely monitor is Novatus Miroshi, who plays as a left-back for Turkish club Göztepe. The 24-year-old has demonstrated impressive attacking qualities alongside his defensive responsibilities, making him an important member of the Tanzanian national team.

Miroshi has scored twice in eight league appearances for Göztepe this season and has also recorded three goals in 24 international appearances for the Taifa Stars. His attacking runs and ability to support offensive movements could create problems for Nigeria, particularly down the left flank.

Another important figure is Feisal Salum, popularly known as Fei Toto, who plays for Tanzanian club Azam FC. The 28-year-old midfielder is recognised for his creativity, vision and ability to dictate attacking movements.

Salum has represented Tanzania at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2019, 2023 and 2025 editions. He also played a significant role in his country’s historic AFCON 2025 campaign, scoring the decisive goal against Tunisia to help Tanzania reach the knockout stages for the first time.

With 60 international appearances, his experience and ability to create scoring opportunities could make him a major threat to Nigeria’s midfield.

Simon Msuva is another player the Super Eagles must be prepared for. The experienced forward, who currently plays for Newroz SC in Iraq, remains one of Tanzania’s most dangerous attacking options because of his pace, intelligent movement and ability to exploit defensive spaces.

Msuva has scored 25 goals in 105 appearances for his country. He also featured in Tanzania’s 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at AFCON 2025, a match in which he made his 100th international appearance.

Nigeria’s defenders will need to prevent the experienced striker from receiving the ball in dangerous positions and making runs behind their defensive line.

Bernard Kamungo, who plays for FC Dallas in the United States, is also expected to be an important attacking option for Tanzania. The winger’s pace, direct approach and ability to take on defenders could cause problems for the Super Eagles, particularly during counter-attacks.

His movement in wide areas could expose defensive spaces whenever Nigeria commit several players forward, making it important for the team’s full-backs and central defenders to maintain their concentration.

Completing the list is Kibu Denis, who plays for Al Nasr in Libya. The 27-year-old winger offers speed, creativity and attacking versatility, with his ability to beat defenders and deliver dangerous crosses making him another player Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate.

Denis has featured regularly for the Taifa Stars since Miguel Gamondi assumed responsibility for the national team in 2025.

With these five players possessing different attacking qualities and international experience, the Super Eagles will need to remain disciplined defensively if they hope to secure positive results against Tanzania in the AFCON 2027 qualifying encounters.